Come and visit us! West Midland tourist venues call for post-lockdown support
Tourist attractions say they cannot afford another lockdown, warning they are on the brink financially as they prepare to reopen.
Outdoor venues will open their gates again from April 12, with indoor attractions are likely to open again in May. It means the Easter bank holidays will be missed.
Bosses across the region are hoping this could be the final extended closure - and today appealed for the public to show their support by coming back in numbers.
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust has only been able to open for 15 weeks over the last year. It now hopes to start canal trips and outdoor hospitality from April 14, with cavern trips from May 17.
The attraction was forced to cancel its Christmas canal boat rides due to Tier 3 restrictions, despite tickets selling out weeks in advance.
Traci Dix-Williams, chief executive officer, said it was essential it is able to open up and to stay open, adding: “We cannot stay closed much longer – it is simply not viable for us.
"We need to be open, we need people to get out and visit attractions but we also need to ensure we all stay safe.
“Attractions have put incredible investment and time into adapting their business so they can offer protection and instil confidence in their visitors.
“For many attractions timing is key to having a successful year. Missing out on Easter will have a big impact – we need to make the most of the time we have left in the coming season.”
In the roadmap out of lockdown, outdoor attractions including zoos and theme parks are due to reopen from April 12, while indoor attractions could be open as early as May 17.
And bosses across the region are hoping this could be the final extended closure – after a year of uncertainty and financial difficulties.
Dudley Zoo and Castle is also looking to reopen on Monday, April 12. During the first national lockdown, the attraction had to issue a rallying cry for support after bosses revealed it was losing £100,000 a week while it was closed.
The Black Country Living Museum aims to open on Monday, May 17, alongside its vaccination centre. The vaccination centre, which opened at the Tipton Road-based site back in January, will continue to operate when the museum reopens.
